With the WNBA playoffs arriving soon, it's clear that the Chicago Sky are trying to ensure they clinch the final spot in the Playoffs. The race is between them and the Atlanta Dream. However, star rookie Angel Reese is no longer available for the rest of the season, which could dent their plans. They did manage to get the 92-77 win over the Dallas Wings to secure a one-game lead without Reese, though.
Chennedy Carter has an explosive game
Carter had a fantastic game, leading the team with 28 points. She also had six assists and four rebounds to help get her team the win. The guard is also leading the Sky in scoring this season, averaging 17.1 points per game. It's been a great year for her, and she continued her success tonight.
With Reese now unavailable, Carter will be a major part of the team's scoring column. She has been all year, but she's going to have to bring a little extra to the table now. If Chicago makes the playoffs, expect her to play a good chunk of minutes. She was out a few games ago, though, so they may have to be careful with how much she plays.
Isabelle Harrison has huge start for Chicago Sky
With Reese sidelined, one can expect new faces to get more minutes, and this includes forward Isabelle Harrison. Harrison is averaging just 13.9 minutes, 5.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game. However, she played 33 crucial minutes tonight in replacement of the injured rookie.
Against the Wings, she had 21 points, two assists, and nine rebounds. This is her highest-scoring game of the season in which she proved she could step up in an important moment. The Sky will need bench players to continue to fill Reese's role if they want to make a run in the postseason. It'll be crucial for them to find a strong presence down low to match Kamilla Cardoso's energy.
Cardoso is now the key component
No Reese means there will be a gap in the paint where the big-time board grabber once was. Cardoso will be one of the biggest fillers for this gap, as she averages 7.9 rebounds per game. Expect this number to grow in upcoming games. She had 11 rebounds and 10 points in tonight's game. The rookie big hasn't been the most productive scoring-wise, but she is getting there slowly.
Reese being out will give Cardoso the chance to get a little bolder in the paint. She needs to start battling harder for those points. Also, it may be time to check out the Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston tape and see if the Sky can replicate a strong pick-and-roll presence.
Cardoso and Carter could start working together a bit more in the passing game. The center and guard connection can be a key component to winning this game. The WNBA is a pass-first league, which makes assists one of the most important factors here. Carter has two very capable drivers in Cardoso and Michaela Onyenwere, so utilizing them could be huge. Adding an alert Harrison into the mix will make things even more interesting if they can prioritize passing.